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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Articles 1 - 16 of 16
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Evaluating A Relationship Education Program With Incarcerated Adults, Terra L. Jackson, Francesca Adler-Baeder, Leah Burke, Silvia Vilches
Evaluating A Relationship Education Program With Incarcerated Adults, Terra L. Jackson, Francesca Adler-Baeder, Leah Burke, Silvia Vilches
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Research indicates healthy family relationships can reduce recidivism. More effort has been placed towards providing family life programming in prisons to promote healthy individual and relational functioning, yet only a handful of studies have evaluated and provided insight on relationship education (RE) for incarcerated adults. This study contributes to this emerging effort and examines changes following participation in a RE program, using a sample of 461 incarcerated men and women. Findings indicate significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms and conflict resolution skills. Additional tests of moderation of change by gender, relationship status, and child age revealed a greater change …
The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Pilot Program Designed To Enhance Wellbeing Through Self-Identified, Debra M. Sellers, Naomi R. Meinertz
The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Pilot Program Designed To Enhance Wellbeing Through Self-Identified, Debra M. Sellers, Naomi R. Meinertz
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
We describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of an introductory and interdisciplinary program to increase participants’ knowledge and awareness of wellbeing and intention to implement self-identified lifestyle changes. “Wellness and Wellbeing: What About Me?” was a University Extension pilot program that was designed to introduce wellbeing as a multidimensional construct. The program was delivered by Extension professionals in 14 sites across Iowa. Program evaluation consisted of a post-program assessment at the end of the seven-week series. The majority of the 115 post-program survey respondents were female, ranging in age from 22-88 years. Almost all survey respondents (89%) reported learning something …
Editors’ Introduction To This Special Issue, Rich Poling, Donna J. Peterson
Editors’ Introduction To This Special Issue, Rich Poling, Donna J. Peterson
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension focuses on both of these questions and provides readers with in-depth exposure to the meaning of credible and actionable evidence of program effectiveness and quality and how it can be addressed within an organization. The ten articles in this issue cover the basics of what credible and actionable evidence is; how such evidence can be identified, measured, and collected; how credible and actionable evidence can differ depending on different levels of an organization and the stakeholders wanting the evidence; how organizations can build capacity to collect credible and actionable evidence; …
Credible And Actionable Evidence In Extension Practice: Framing Issues, Contexts, And Principles, Benjamin Silliman, Scott R. Cummings
Credible And Actionable Evidence In Extension Practice: Framing Issues, Contexts, And Principles, Benjamin Silliman, Scott R. Cummings
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Organizations that translate emerging science and provide community outreach, such as the Cooperative Extension Service and similar outreach engagement programs at universities, face ongoing challenges in establishing the credibility of program content and results as the pace of discovery of new knowledge, demand for effective applications, and diversity of audiences and other stakeholders continues to expand. This special edition of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension (JHSE) explores the theme, “What is credible and actionable evidence in Extension programs?” Like a good evaluation, we begin this introductory article by framing the question, including academic, policy, and practical contexts; definitions …
Youths’ Perspectives Of Experiential Learning Delivery: Findings From A Multistate 4-H Youth Program, Sarah Taylor, K. Anh Do, Shen Qin, Yan Ruth Xia, Maria Rosario T. De Guzman
Youths’ Perspectives Of Experiential Learning Delivery: Findings From A Multistate 4-H Youth Program, Sarah Taylor, K. Anh Do, Shen Qin, Yan Ruth Xia, Maria Rosario T. De Guzman
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Youths’ perspectives are often unexplored in youth program development and implementation. This article examined youths’ perspectives of a 4-H youth prevention program called “Health Rocks!” that is designed to promote healthful decision-making skills, stress coping, and socioemotional skills related to substance use. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Qualitative findings reveal that participants appreciated the fun and engaging curriculum, valued program staff who were interactive, and enjoyed the hands-on program activities. Participants also reported that the program positively impacted their knowledge and skills. Quantitative results show that participants who perceived the program as fun were significantly more likely …
Older Adult Knowledge And Behavior Change In The Stepping On Fall Prevention Program In A Community Setting, Jane Strommen, Sean E. Brotherson, Zhen Yang
Older Adult Knowledge And Behavior Change In The Stepping On Fall Prevention Program In A Community Setting, Jane Strommen, Sean E. Brotherson, Zhen Yang
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
One out of every three Americans age 65 and over falls at least once annually. Fall-related injuries among older adults are a major public health concern, and prevention of falls has emerged as a key issue in avoiding the risks to mobility and health that exist due to falls. Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program designed to help older adults take control of their fall risk factors, explore different behavioral steps, and reduce their fall risk. This study shares findings from evaluation efforts conducted with 182 older adult participants in Stepping On from 2013 to 2015. Older adults …
Evaluation Champions: What They Need And Where They Fit In Organizational Learning, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Evaluation Champions: What They Need And Where They Fit In Organizational Learning, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Evaluation champions in four state Extension systems described needs for training and support and perspectives on building evaluation capacity in their organization as part of a larger interview study exploring their roles, growth, and motivations. These 40 evaluation leaders identified needs for basic and advanced evaluation skills training, technical assistance, and practical learning via mentoring and project teams. Recommendations for organizational change in evaluation capacity included “top-down” investments in communication, training, and practical support, as well as increased “bottom-up” efforts by champions like themselves to advocate, model best practice, and contribute to training and mentoring peers. Implications for professional development …
Evaluation Champions: What They Do, Why They Do It, And Why It Matters To Organizations, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Evaluation Champions: What They Do, Why They Do It, And Why It Matters To Organizations, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Evaluation champions are individuals who serve as catalysts for building evaluation capacity within an organization. They advocate for the importance of program evaluation, model good evaluation behaviors, and mentor their peers in program evaluation skills and competencies. Interviews with 40 peer-nominated champions in four purposively-sampled Extension organizations identified the roles, contexts, and motivations of staff who act as evaluation champions. Findings underline the importance—and the limits—of mentors and project teams in building evaluation capacity in complex organizations. Implications for practice, research, and policy are discussed.
Programmatic Environmental Scans: A Survey Based On Program Planning And Evaluation Concepts, Donna J. Peterson, Laura H. Downey, Joanne Leatherman, Suzanne M. Le Menestrel, James Lang
Programmatic Environmental Scans: A Survey Based On Program Planning And Evaluation Concepts, Donna J. Peterson, Laura H. Downey, Joanne Leatherman, Suzanne M. Le Menestrel, James Lang
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Within Extension, environmental scans are most commonly used to assess community or organizational issues or for strategic planning purposes. However, Extension has expanded the use of environmental scans to systematically identify “what programs exist” on a given topic or focus area. Yet, despite recent attention to the topic of environmental scanning in Extension, survey instruments used to conduct environmental scans have not been published. Given the emphasis on implementation of evidence-based practices and programs, having a ready-made survey that can be used to identify programs on a specific topic and that could subsequently lead to an evaluability assessment of those …
Factors Impacting Program Delivery: The Importance Of Implementation Research In Extension, Ryan J. Gagnon, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Garst, Matthew F. Bumpus
Factors Impacting Program Delivery: The Importance Of Implementation Research In Extension, Ryan J. Gagnon, Nancy Franz, Barry A. Garst, Matthew F. Bumpus
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Cooperative Extension is in a unique position, given its relationship with research-based, Land-Grant Universities, to advance the scholarship of implementation research. A stronger shift towards evidence-based practice has been occurring, oriented towards the assessment of programs for outcomes. This paper explores core concepts related to program implementation and delves into factors that influence successful implementation of Extension programs and services. The importance of implementation within the Extension Program Development Model is explored, along with emerging issues and trends.
Looking Ahead: Envisioning The Future Of The Extension Program Development Model, Ryan J. Gagnon, Barry A. Garst, Nancy Franz
Looking Ahead: Envisioning The Future Of The Extension Program Development Model, Ryan J. Gagnon, Barry A. Garst, Nancy Franz
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This article synthesizes key points from this special issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension and provides recommendations for and predictions about the evolution of the Extension Program Development Model. A foundational question addressed by each of the authors of this special issue and summarized in this chapter is, “If your recommendations regarding the Extension Program Development Model were followed, what would Extension look like in five years?”
The Importance Of Understanding Dosage When Evaluating Parenting Programs: Lessons From A Pilot Study, Pamela B. Payne, Daniel A. Mcdonald
The Importance Of Understanding Dosage When Evaluating Parenting Programs: Lessons From A Pilot Study, Pamela B. Payne, Daniel A. Mcdonald
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
As government resources for community programs diminish, it is vital that Cooperative Extension make greater efforts to show program efficacy. Assessing the appropriate amount of an intervention optimal for reaching desired outcomes can help inform program development and provide for a more efficient use of limited resources. The current pilot study (funded by CYFAR, NIFA, USDA award #2008-41520-04810) focuses on dosage and its effect on outcomes in parenting education delivered in four states.
Evaluating For Public Value: Clarifying The Relationship Between Public Value And Program Evaluation, Scott A. Chazdon, Nathan Paine
Evaluating For Public Value: Clarifying The Relationship Between Public Value And Program Evaluation, Scott A. Chazdon, Nathan Paine
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This article presents a framework that integrates the concept of public value, known primarily in public administration and public sector economics circles, with program evaluation. We identify four components of this Evaluating for Public Value (EPV) framework. These are: (1) the “publicness” of the participant and the participant’s goals; (2) organizational credibility, which incorporates participant and stakeholder perceptions of the program, as well as the delivery organization; (3) program outcomes, with an emphasis on the value gained by program participants; and (4) broader impacts. The notion of measuring a program’s publicness is perhaps the most novel aspect of this framework. …
An Evaluation Of The Relationship Smarts Plus Program On Adolescents In Georgia, Ted F. Futris, Tara E. Sutton, Evin W. Richardson
An Evaluation Of The Relationship Smarts Plus Program On Adolescents In Georgia, Ted F. Futris, Tara E. Sutton, Evin W. Richardson
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
The present study examines the impact of Relationship Smarts Plus among 1,657 adolescents age 12-18 across 25 Georgia counties. The program, aimed at increasing awareness about healthy versus unhealthy relationships and promoting smart dating strategies and the application of healthy communication and conflict resolution skills, was offered 54 times by 23 different FCS or 4-H agents during a 53-month period. After each lesson, participants completed a 5-item retrospective pre- and post-test assessing changes in awareness and understanding of the concepts and skills learned. Overall, 949 (57%) youth responded to an overall post-evaluation administered at the conclusion of the program series …
Risk Management Education For Kentucky Farm Women, Jennifer L. Hunter, A. Lee Meyer, Sarah Lovett
Risk Management Education For Kentucky Farm Women, Jennifer L. Hunter, A. Lee Meyer, Sarah Lovett
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This article describes how an agricultural and farm risk management education program, known as Annie’s Project, was adapted from a midwestern focus to meet the diversity of Kentucky agriculture and shares the results of a longer-term evaluation of the Kentucky program. The Annie’s Project program is geared specifically to the needs of farm women. The program adaption process, which began in late 2006, is detailed from inception through pilot testing to the full launch of the program. Over a four year period, the Kentucky Annie’s Project program reached 425 farm women in 41 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The evaluation draws …
Parental Learning And School Readiness In The Gearing Up For Kindergarten Program, Sean E. Brotherson, Sharon Query, Divya Saxena
Parental Learning And School Readiness In The Gearing Up For Kindergarten Program, Sean E. Brotherson, Sharon Query, Divya Saxena
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Entering kindergarten is a key moment in a young child’s life, and parents are a child’s first teacher. What can guide parents as they assist children with school readiness? Gearing Up for Kindergarten is an intensive parent education and school readiness program designed to help parents and children prepare for school. Gearing Up for Kindergarten is a parent education program that combines early learning opportunities for pre-kindergarten children with parent education opportunities for adults. This study presents findings from evaluation efforts conducted with 59 Gearing Up for Kindergarten adult participants during the 2006-2007 school year. Participants in the program demonstrated …